‘There were just fights from the beginning’ – Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso 

During Wednesday night’s match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Miguel Cardoso cut an animated figure on the touchline after Chiefs midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu made a reckless challenge that left defender Keanu Cupido injured and forced off in the first-half. 

Referee Luxolo Badi only showed Ndlovu a yellow card for the incident, before later sending off Jayden Adams in the second half for simulation. 

The Brazilians mentor did not hold back in questioning the standard of officiating in the PSL and Chiefs game plan referring it as karate antics. 

“At this moment, after a match like this, a coach must have the capacity to focus on what is important,” Cardoso said 

“In the last week, we had two of the biggest matches that could be played in South Africa. We had Orlando Pirates versus Kaizer Chiefs, and then we had Mamelodi Sundowns versus Kaizer Chiefs. I remember that we spoke a lot about the level of the game in South Africa. 

“After these two matches, you have an answer. That’s basically the conclusion. There’s still a lot to do to develop the game. 

“Matches are always emotions but the emotions should take a direction towards the technical and tactical side of the game, and today (Wednesday) there was nothing like that on the pitch, there were just fights from the beginning. 

“In the Pirates match, there were fights from the beginning, balls in the air, kicking in the front, kicking ass, kicking players, kicking legs, kicking everything. I don’t think this is the best way to think about the future of the game.”

Sundowns will now face Siwelele and TS Galaxy before they taken on AS Far in a two-legged Caf Champions League final.